Shows
The Far MiddleThe Hand of God Meets the Hand of Climate AlarmismAs the Far Middle approaches its 200th episode, Nick begins with the series’ first sports dedication to honor a soccer great. That legend is Diego Maradona, whom Nick describes as the most dynamic, charismatic, and clutch athlete in soccer history.
Nick recounts Maradona's humble beginnings in Buenos Aires, his rise to stardom, and his iconic transfer from Barcelona to Napoli in 1984, which resonated personally for Nick given his family roots in Naples. Maradona's arrival transformed Napoli from an underdog southern Italian club into champions, symbolizing a victory for the working class against wealthier northern teams. Despite Maradona's of...2025-03-1223 min
The Far MiddleKluszewski and Voltaire's Wisdom Go Back-to-BackAs Far Middle episode 197 arrives with Cactus and Grapefruit League play underway, Nick opens with a fitting baseball dedication to legendary Cincinnati Red, Ted Kluszewski, aka “Big Klu.”
Nick highlights Big Klu’s four ingredients for success—ability, confidence, work ethic, and the will to win. Those ingredients transcend baseball and apply to professional success no matter one’s career path.
Nick shifts from the power hitter’s insights of the 1950s to Voltaire’s wisdom from the 1700s. Nick proceeds to explore Voltaire's Alphabet of Wit, a collection of short essays offering timely commentary on many issues soc...2025-02-2626 min
The Far MiddleFrom the Hardwood and Hard Data to a Galaxy Far, Far AwayIn Far Middle episode 196, Nick starts with a blend of basketball history and intrigue for the installment’s sports dedication—recounting how basketball giants Red Auerbach and Wilt Chamberlain met back in the summer of 1954.
Nick explains how Chamberlain and Auerbach’s paths crossed as player and coach at a country club in Monticello, NY. He reflects on the clash between the young, headstrong Chamberlain and the up-and-coming Coach Auerbach.
For more on Coach Auerbach, revisit Far Middle episode 119 for Nick’s tribute to the legendary coach and executive. And for more commentary on Chamberlain, see epis...2025-02-1924 min
The Far MiddleStealing Bases and Preserving FireAs spring training gets underway during the premiere week of Far Middle episode 195, Nick leads off with a timely and heartfelt dedication to one of baseball’s greatest leadoff hitters—the late, great Rickey Henderson.
Nick recalls Henderson's distinctive style and personality, including his crouched batting stance and his tendency to refer to himself in the third person. Reflecting on Henderson's record-breaking career, Nick highlights his unmatched stolen base prowess, which rightfully earned him the nickname “Man of Steal.”
Leaving the diamond, Nick delves into the writings of Ayn Rand. He examines her thoughts on civil di...2025-02-1221 min
The Far MiddleRhetoric and Perception Versus Data and FactsFar Middle episode 194 is another exploration of multiple interconnected topics, beginning with a tribute to Constantine "Cus" D'Amato, a legendary boxing trainer and mentor.
D'Amato's life story is remarkable. From his humble and rough beginnings in the Bronx to becoming a transformative figure in boxing, Cus went on to train champions such as Floyd Patterson and Mike Tyson while developing the innovative "peek-a-boo" boxing technique. “You won't find a figure who had more of an impact on boxing, who loved it more, and who was dedicated to it more, and whose career spanned a longer time than th...2025-02-0527 min
The Far MiddleGridiron Surprises and Global ChallengesIn Far Middle episode 193, Nick follows up last week’s dedication to the American Football League with a timely tribute to legendary NFL coach Bill Belichick.
Belichick, known for his six Super Bowl wins as head coach of the New England Patriots (plus two more as defensive coordinator with the New York Giants in Super Bowls XXI and XXV), recently surprised many, including Nick, by accepting a position as head coach at the University of North Carolina. However, given Belichick's NFL success and passion for the game, Nick suggests that perhaps the eight-time Super Bowl champ is loo...2025-01-2923 min
The Far MiddleTouchdowns, Taxes, and TacticsFar Middle episode 192 arrives as most of the US shivers amidst a polar vortex. Nick begins by coincidentally noting that 54 years ago tomorrow marks the day when Prospect Creek Camp, Alaska, experienced the lowest temperature ever in the United States, -80 degrees.
Beginning this week’s connections, Nick shifts from bitter cold to the intense heat of the march to Super Bowl LIX as only four teams remain. With less than three weeks until Super Bowl Sunday, Nick offers this episode’s sports dedication to the American Football League (AFL).
The AFL operated from 1960 to 1970 befor...2025-01-2224 min
The Far MiddleMulti-Tentacled LeviathanNick opens Far Middle episode 191 with a sports dedication highlighting a sport that’s evaded the podcast series’ nearly four years (and counting) run of tributes.
Nick heads back to 1972 to celebrate that summer’s World Chess Championship match between Bobby Fischer and defending champion Boris Spassky of the Soviet Union—dubbed the "Match of the Century" (not to be confused with “The Mile of the Century” highlighted in episode 168).
The historic confrontation, held in Iceland, saw Fischer become the first American-born world chess champion, ending 24 years of Soviet chess dominance. Nick examines Fischer's eccentric behavior, un...2025-01-1527 min
The Far MiddleThe Far Middle: No Room for BoredomIn Episode 190 of The Far Middle, Nick once again takes “constant listeners” on a journey through a string of connections in the spirit of Dr. James Burke’s Connections television series. The discussion tips-off with a sports dedication highlighting the fascinating story about how NBA legend Bob Cousy unexpectedly became a Boston Celtic.
Despite being passed over in the 1950 NBA draft by the Celtics' coach Red Auerbach, Cousy ended up with the team through a series of unlikely events. After being drafted by Tri-Cities and traded to the Chicago Stags, which went bankrupt, Cousy's fate was decided by a r...2025-01-0825 min
The Far MiddleSliding into 2025
As the Far Middle enters 2025, this New Year's episode examines the evolving economics of baseball, comparing the 1954 New York Giants with today's San Francisco Giants.
Nick explains how baseball in the 1950s was a modest business, with the Giants needing about $2.5 million to break even. Gate admissions were the primary revenue source, and player salaries accounted for only 30% of expenses. Fast forward to today, and the Giants' revenue exceeds $400 million, with TV rights alone surpassing $140 million. Player salaries now consume about half of the team's revenues, often as guaranteed money.
The evolution of Ma...2025-01-0125 min
The Far MiddlePower PlaysIn Far Middle episode 187, Nick returns to the rink to recall the infamous December 23, 1979, brawl between the Boston Bruins and New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden.
While the game took place just two days before Christmas, “Let’s just say the Christmas sprit didn’t’ prevail,” says Nick. He recounts how the brawl on the ice spilled over to the stands to become one of the most infamous and chaotic fan-player confrontations in sports history. The incident led to suspensions, fines, and ultimately, changes in arena safety measures.
From the chaos at the Garden in 1979, N...2024-12-1825 min
The Far MiddleSmashing Serves and Stealing Smiles
In Far Middle episode 186, Nick begins by honoring tennis icon Arthur Ashe. Nick uses the episode’s December 11 premiere date to connect to December 12, 1968, when the Richmond native would become the first black men's player to be ranked number one by the United States Lawn Tennis Association.
Nick recounts Ashe's remarkable life story, from his beginnings in segregated Richmond to his tennis achievements, military service, and advocacy work. He highlights Ashe's contributions beyond tennis, including his writing and efforts to educate others about AIDS. “Human beings don’t come much better than Arthur Ashe,” reflects Nick....2024-12-1124 min
The Far MiddleMarch to GreatnessIn Far Middle episode 185, Nick takes listeners on a journey through sports history, energy policy, and rock music songwriting.
Nick begins with the installment’s sports dedication to Dan Marino, who Nick describes as the greatest pure quarterback in the history of the NFL. “He grew up in the Oakland neighborhood in the city of Pittsburgh, literally in the shadow of the Pitt campus where he would start his march to greatness,” says Nick.
He recounts Marino's Pittsburgh roots, his college career at Pitt, and his surprising late selection in the first round of the epic 1...2024-12-0431 min
The Far MiddleExamining VeritasIn Far Middle episode 184, Nick wishes all a Happy Thanksgiving before turning to the hardwood for the episode’s sports dedication to basketball legend Patrick Ewing.
Born in Jamaica, Ewing moved to Cambridge, Massachusetts, at 12 years old and became a dominant high school player. Nick reflects on Ewing’s stellar college career at Georgetown under Coach John Thompson. As a Hoya, Ewing played in three historic NCAA finals in 1982, 1984, and 1985. Nick then describes how Ewing ended up going to the Knicks as the first overall pick in the 1985 NBA draft.
While Ewing is in the Bask...2024-11-2727 min
The Far MiddleExposed: Decoding the 2024 ElectionIn Far Middle episode 182, Nick presents an unconventional analysis of the 2024 presidential election.
Before assessing the lessons from the 2024 election, Nick begins with a fitting sports dedication. That tribute goes to President Gerald Ford as Nick highlights not only Ford's athletic career at the University of Michigan (helping lead the Wolverines to two national championships), but also Ford’s service in the Navy and the South Pacific during World War II.
“A single word sums up everything we've been subjected to, that we've observed, that we thought, and that we've experienced in the 2024 presidential race. And t...2024-11-1327 min
The Far MiddleOpposite DirectionsFar Middle episode 181 arrives the day after the 2024 General Election.“Election Day is about as American as you can get, and we are in the middle of a great football season, which is another thing that is about as American as you can get,” begins Nick. Accordingly, Nick pays homage to “Captain America,” better known as legendary NFL quarterback Roger Staubach for the installment’s sports dedication.Recounting Staubach’s impressive career, Nick looks back on his college days at the U.S. Naval Academy, his subsequent service in the Navy, and his success with the Dallas Cowbo...2024-11-0627 min
The Far MiddleBaseball Brawls to Constitutional CallsIn Far Middle episode 180, Nick highlights a one-of-a-kind baseball brawl from his favorite era, the 1970s, for the installment’s sports dedication.
The incident between Hall of Famer Ted Simmons, pitcher Al Hrabosky, hitter Bill Madlock, and their Cardinals and Cubs teammates in 1974 was a memorable altercation, but also one of which many fans may be unaware. Listen as Nick recounts the wild events that took place in St. Louis just over 50 years ago.
Delving into more serious issues, Nick explains the episode's theme. He describes it as “standards and rule of law, meeting those stan...2024-10-3026 min
The Far MiddleRivalriesIn Far Middle episode 178, Nick begins with a reflection on Christopher Columbus following the recent Columbus Day holiday, noting its significance for Italian Americans. Next, Nick recalls a trifecta of iconic and dramatic sports moments for the installment’s sports dedication. These baseball and hockey classics may not have been championship-winning games, but they’re often remembered as such.
Starting at Fenway Park, Nick remembers Game 6 of the 1975 World Series. He then recalls the "Miracle on Ice" at the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics, and then shifts six years later and 300 miles south to Shea Stadium for Game 6 of the 1...2024-10-1626 min
The Far MiddleThe Heart of Administrative DarknessIn Far Middle episode 177, Nick begins by wishing Jewish friends and listeners a thoughtful upcoming Yom Kippur and best wishes for the new year. Nick then proceeds to examine a series of interconnected yet seemingly unrelated topics in classic Far Middle fashion.
In one of the more unique sports dedications, Nick offers a tribute to actor Burt Young, best known for his role as Paulie in the Rocky films. Young, who passed away a year ago yesterday, had a brief but successful professional boxing career before becoming an actor. He trained under legendary boxing coach Cus D'Amato...2024-10-0925 min
The Far MiddleFrom Baseball to the Baltic SeaIn Far Middle episode 174, Nick leads off by acknowledging Constitution Day and its significance.
Next up, the episode’s September 18, 2024, release date coincides with the 30th anniversary of the premiere of Ken Burns' 1994 Baseball documentary. Nick celebrates Burns’ Emmy-winning series for this week’s sports dedication, calling it the greatest sports documentary ever made. Burns’ only error? Compressing the 1970 to 1992 period into one episode.
Leaving the baseball field, Nick then dedicates the bulk of the episode to a detailed account of the Nord Stream pipeline sabotage that occurred in September 2022. That sabotage represents a “sequence of events t...2024-09-1827 min
The Far MiddleBogus JustificationsIn Far Middle episode 170, Nick offers a different take on this installment’s sports dedication. It’s a dedication that comes “with very mixed emotions because it ties to my alma mater, Penn State, and its beloved football program, which I'm a lifelong fan of,” says Nick. “But those core Far Middle beliefs and policy foundations, they can't be superseded by simple emotion or personal preference.”
Nick then comments on the state of college athletics, focusing on Penn State’s decision to approve a $700 million renovation of its football stadium. Given the uncertain future of college sports and the univer...2024-08-2127 min
The Far MiddleThe Genius of Alexander the GreatWhile the 2024 Paris Olympic Summer Games have concluded, Nick keeps the Olympic spirit alive in Far Middle episode 169. Nick pays tribute to the first modern Olympic Games held in Athens in 1896 to mark the installment’s sports dedication, noting the 1896 Summer Games were actually held in the spring, and it would be more than a century before the IOC would bring the Olympics back to Greece for the 2004 Summer Games.
In true Far Middle connection fashion, Greece then serves as the focus of the episode as Nick presents a unique perspective on Alexander the Great’s life beyo...2024-08-1425 min
The Far MiddleMillers and MarketsEpisode 167 of the Far Middle continues the series’ recent focus on California, beginning with a nod to National Avocado Day and California’s state fruit. Nick’s sports dedication then proceeds to celebrate California basketball royalty: Cheryl and Reggie Miller.
Reflecting on Cheryl and Reggie’s achievements, Nick notes how wildly similar their careers are: both played college basketball in Los Angeles, both wore number 31, and each has those jersey numbers retired (at USC for Cheryl and the Pacers for Reggie), both won Olympic gold, both pursued careers in broadcasting, and now both are in halls of fame.2024-07-3125 min
The Far MiddleHard TruthsIn “Hard Truths,” Nick continues his discussion from prior Far Middle episode 165 where he revisits his June address at the Jonathan Club in downtown Los Angeles. But before delving into this week’s hard truths, Nick pays tribute to NBA legend Jerry West, highlighting "Zeke from Cabin Creek’s" incredible journey from Chelyan, West Virginia, to becoming the most iconic figure in basketball, literally “The Logo.”
Nick then transitions to discuss the second part of his recent speech and tackles several critical issues facing the U.S., including:
Government Overreach: Nick argues that the government (specifically the “deep sta...2024-07-2430 min
The Far MiddleJustice For AllThe Far Middle episode 163 arrives on the eve of the Fourth of July, “which brings to mind all kinds of imagery for Americana, perhaps none bigger than baseball,” begins Nick. Fittingly, the episode’s sports dedication goes to a key figure in the national pastime’s history: Judge Kennesaw Mountain Landis.
While Landis served as the first Commissioner of Major League Baseball, elected in 1921 and serving until his death in 1944, Landis also had a storied legal career. Nick recounts how Judge Landis was known for his unique and often controversial rulings, which were frequently overturned on appeal.
I...2024-07-0326 min
The Far MiddlePower ShiftThe Far Middle episode 160 begins with a sports dedication to Sonny Vaccaro, a game-changing figure at the intersection of sports, business, marketing, and fashion.
Nick discusses Vaccaro's journey from a schoolteacher to a pivotal player in Nike's entry into the basketball market, including Vaccaro’s strategy of paying college coaches to have their teams wear Nike shoes, leading to a significant increase in Nike's presence in basketball. Vaccaro’s most notable achievement was convincing Nike to sign Michael Jordan, leading to the creation of the highly successful Air Jordan line (the subject of the 2023 film, Air).
V...2024-06-1226 min
The Far MiddleMoore’s Impact and Eisenhower’s VisionThe Far Middle episode 159 kicks off with a dedication to legendary football coach Joe Moore. Nick describes Moore, a western Pennsylvania native, as, “the greatest name in the region's football history that you've probably never heard of.”
Moore made lasting impacts at both the high school and collegiate levels, particularly during his tenure at Pitt and Notre Dame, where he developed numerous NFL-bound offensive linemen. Nick highlights Moore's straightforward, intimidating - but in a good way - coaching style.
While Coach Moore sadly passed away in 2003, his legacy continues today through the Joe Moore Award and...2024-06-0527 min
The Far MiddleJournalism BiasThe Far Middle episode 157 begins with a tribute to America’s servicemen and women following Armed Forces Day, celebrated the preceding Saturday, May 18.
Leading off with the episode’s sports dedication, Nick goes back 40 years to the infamous “bean-brawl game” from August 12, 1984, between the San Diego Padres and Atlanta Braves.
Nick walks through the “train wreck” of a game that included three separate brawls, 17 players and coaches ejected, and several fans arrested. After hearing Nick’s review of the game that umpire John McSherry described as setting “baseball back 50 years,” relive the madness via YouTube.
After revis...2024-05-2226 min
The Far MiddleThe Far Middle Turns ThreeThe Far Middle turns three with episode 156; representing three years and hundreds of unique “connections,” thought-provoking and surprising insights not found anywhere else.
Following the recent 150th milestone episode that explored core themes of the podcast’s journey, from limited government to individual liberty, Nick opts for a fun approach this special episode, navigating a web of cultural icons and their connections within connections.
Continuing to carry on the tradition of Dr. James Burke’s BBC “Connections” series, Nick begins the discussion on the heels of Mother’s Day.
Nick highlights the role Ted Williams’...2024-05-1524 min
The Far MiddleGoing Back to CaliforniaNick begins episode 155 by paying respect to Holocaust Remembrance Day, sadly observing, “The ability and degree of humans to harm other humans, it's one of those attributes that make us unique in the animal kingdom, badly unique.”
Nick then shifts the episode’s focus to California, revisiting a state often in the Far Middle spotlight (see Nick’s commentary, “Ode to Los Angeles From a Wary Admirer,” and Far Middle episode 113 for some of Nick’s prior observations).
Beginning just south of San Francisco, the installment’s sports dedication is a Far Middle first as the honor goes to...2024-05-0824 min
The Far MiddleA Lack of ConsistencyIn Far Middle episode 154, Nick examines a string of connections demonstrating how a lack of consistency is becoming the norm in society—raising questions about fairness, integrity, and the rule of law.In the lead-off spot and serving as the episode’s sports dedication, Nick discusses Major League Baseball's inconsistent handling of the Shohei Ohtani and Pete Rose gambling scandals. In addition to contrasting MLB’s Ohtani and Rose investigations, Nick also note’s MLB’s inconsistent stance on gambling. While the League says gambling is evil, and will result in severe punishment, at the same time the League enjoy...2024-05-0125 min
The Far MiddleBig TruthsEpisode 153 of The Far Middle delves into "Big Truths," a contrasting theme to the prior episode's focus on "Little Lies."
Leading off, Nick presents a few hard truths on the economics of professional sports for the installment’s sports dedication. Those truths include the challenge of becoming a professional athlete, and for the elite few that make it to the highest level of their respective sport, it’s a sad truth that many face financial struggles post-retirement.
Shifting from sports, the next big truth centers on how different asset classes perform over time versus the infl...2024-04-2424 min
The Far MiddleLittle LiesFollowing a recent coincidental listen of Fleetwood Mac's "Little Lies," Nick examines a series of connections all based on little lies that have major consequences, particularly little fibs steering energy policy today.
Marking episode 152’s sports dedication, Nick runs through a historic trifecta of sports related lies; including, George O'Leary's false resume claims, George Steinbrenner’s comments he planned to be an absentee owner, and Wilt Chamberlain's exaggerated sexual exploits. Nick notes there are many famous fibs from the annals of sports, such as the denials of fixing the 1919 World Series discussed in episode 149, as well as othe...2024-04-1724 min
The Far MiddleYears, Numbers, and ConsistencyFar Middle episode 151 features a series of topics connected by the theme of “by the numbers, through the years, and through the lens of consistency.”
That theme begins with the installment’s sports dedication honoring Bill “Wink” Winkenbach. Transforming the way fans watch and follow sports today, Winkenbach invented fantasy football in 1962. Nick looks at fantasy football’s growth, by the numbers and through the years, these past six decades.
While Winkenbach was laying the foundation for modern fantasy sports in the 1960s, the Eisenhower administration would start counting the number of foreign nationals “apprehended” or “encountered”...2024-04-1028 min
The Far MiddleThe Far Middle Journey
Marking the milestone 150th episode of The Far Middle, Nick reflects on the podcast’s nearly three-year journey and inspiration from Dr. James Burke's "Connections" series.
“With such a prominent episode number, we need a compelling sports dedication, one that sits atop the greats, as a great of greats, and one that epitomizes and embraces the attributes of doing, achieving, hard work, and being rational,” says Nick, presenting the honor to Gordie Howe, aka “Mr. Hockey.”
After reviewing Howe’s legendary career, work ethic, and transformative impact, Nick connects to The Far Middle’s impact on hel...2024-04-0324 min
The Far MiddleManipulationThe Far Middle episode 149 explores various forms of manipulation across society, spanning government, finance, electric vehicles, real estate, and more.
In one of The Far Middle’s more unique sports dedications, the episode highlights an unlikely honoree: Arnold “The Brain” Rothstein. Nick explains that while the manipulative Rothstein didn’t excel in professional sports as a player or coach, his infamous role in fixing the 1919 World Series (which he denied) would transcend the sports world.
Beginning this installment’s connections, Nick transitions to the evolution of the International Energy Agency (IEA). The agency “has succumbed to ideologic...2024-03-2726 min
The Far MiddleThe Struggle Between Liberty and AuthorityThe Far Middle episode 147 begins with an only-in-America connection as Nick presents the unique link between U.S. Senator Rand Paul and the installment’s sports dedication, Hall of Fame baseball pitcher Jim Bunning. Nick discusses Bunning’s accomplishments on the diamond that took him to Cooperstown, as well as his post-baseball career that took him to the United States Congress.
“It's another sports dedication that isn't so much about sport as it is about the unique journeys and opportunities that present themselves in America,” says Nick.
The conversation then transitions into a discussion of John Stua...2024-03-1329 min
The Far MiddleTransformationsThe Far Middle episode 146 highlights two contrasting transformations—the first positioned the NFL to become the league it is today, while the other transformation finds New York City on the precipice of ruin.
This installment’s sports dedication goes to visionary NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle. Earning the job at age 33, Nick looks back on Rozelle’s role in transforming the NFL into the immensely popular financial success it is today.
Rozelle’s leadership on revenue sharing and new television contracts not only increased the league's revenue and exposure but also made football America’s number one sport...2024-03-0625 min
The Far MiddleContrasting ViewsEpisode 144 of The Far Middle falls just after Presidents’ Day 2024. Accordingly, Nick notes a few U.S. presidents that are underrated, overrated, and a pair he continues to enjoy learning about.
Connecting from Presidents’ Day to this installment’s sports dedication, Nick revisits President Jimmy Carter spearheading the boycott of the 1980 Summer Olympic Games in Moscow. Nick examines the many geopolitical dynamics of the boycott that resulted from the Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan. Interestingly, the boycott—a move to force the Soviet Union’s withdrawal from Afghanistan—came just after the U.S. beat the Soviets in Lak...2024-02-2127 min
The Far MiddleBring It on HomeIn The Far Middle episode 142, Nick once again starts the discussion with a sports dedication honoring an athlete whose accomplishments extend beyond sports. This installment’s honoree is the late Pat Tillman.
While recognizing Tillman’s football achievements, Nick focuses on Tillman’s service and principles. Nick describes Tillman as an exemplar of a great American doing exceptional things throughout his very unique life.
Nick then shifts the discussion back to his recent video series, “A Rational Thinker’s Guide to Climate Change and Related Policies.” Nick brings home his commentary spanning the prior two Far Middle epi...2024-02-0728 min
The Far MiddleBad MedicineThe Far Middle episode 141 tips off with a sports dedication once again highlighting a great performer both on and off the field (or court).Nick pays tribute to the great David Robinson, aka “The Admiral.” Nick reflects on the two-time NBA champion’s unique path to the Naval Academy, his time with the Spurs and the U.S. national team, and his commitment to education and supporting young people. “David Robinson put his money and actions where his mouth was; you just don't get a better-quality person than David Robinson,” says Nick. “And if more of us are like hi...2024-01-3128 min
The Far MiddleEchoes of GreatnessFollowing Martin Luther King Jr. Day this past Monday, and the anniversary of his January 15th birthday, Nick begins The Far Middle episode 139 with a great story of King’s nonviolence in action, which “no one did better than Martin Luther King Jr. with lasting impact.”
For this episode’s sports dedication, Nick again spotlights an athlete whose greatness extends beyond the field, or in this case the pitcher’s mound. That individual is Walter Johnson, “the best pitcher in an era of dominant pitchers, and very well may be the best pitcher of all time.” Johnson was part of th...2024-01-1726 min
The Far MiddleThe Fellowship of Data and FactsThe Far Middle journey continues into 2024 as Nick celebrates one of the greatest baseball players ever to play the game, Johannes Peter "Honus" Wagner. Nick looks back on "the Flying Dutchman’s” baseball career and southwestern Pennsylvania roots.
It’s a dedication “riddled with history,” that will entertain both constant-listener sports fans and non-sports fans alike. “You don't get more Appalachia, more Western Pennsylvania, or more Pittsburgh than Honus Wagner, says Nick. “And you don't get more scrappy, doer, and achiever than the Flying Dutchman.”
Nick then takes a minute to discuss his Western Pennsylvania accent before conn...2024-01-0328 min
The Far MiddleBroken Finances to Broken HandsClosing out The Far Middle’s 2023 run, Nick presents a unique sports dedication that continues recent dedications combining sports with several interesting historical angles. For episode 136, Nick explores baseball’s “long forgotten Federal League” of 1913 to 1916. While a failure, it was a “wonderful experiment,” and a great example of “a risk-taking endeavor by doers in the chaotic world of free-market American capitalism.”
From the business of early 1900s baseball, Nick connects to the business of baseball today, specifically the broken finances and unsustainable business model of the San Diego Padres. “It is striking how similar the failed business model and...2023-12-2727 min
The Far MiddlePushing the EnvelopeHello Far Middle friends, Nick Deiuliis is back to talk with you again. Episode 135 begins with a sports dedication taking listeners from the gridiron to the stars as Nick honors wide receiver turned engineer and astronaut, Leland Melvin.
Nick describes Melvin’s career from the football field to NASA as a “made for Far Middle topic and dedication.” The tribute to Melvin follows a recent string of dedications celebrating athletes (such as Ted Williams, Nile Kinnick, Archie Moore) who’ve pushed the envelope to achieve greatness beyond their sports careers.
“I've always been interested in space beca...2023-12-2029 min
The Far MiddleEducation in AmericaThe Far Middle episode 134 honors not only a sports legend whose record-holding World Light Heavyweight Champion reign spanned a decade, but also simply a great American. That individual, born 110 years ago on the date of this installment’s release, is none other than “The Mongoose,” Archie Moore.
For those saying, “Archie who,” Nick explains that Moore “basically did it all.” He revisits Moore’s acclaimed boxing career, dedication to youth mentorship, acting roles, and service under the Department of Housing and Urban Development. “Archie Moore set amazing standards for vitality and competitiveness over an extended period of time in his chosen...2023-12-1327 min
The Far MiddleRadical TransparencyEpisode 132 marks a special installment of The Far Middle as Nick spotlights CNX Resources’ historic and innovative Radical Transparency initiative. But before dropping the puck on the Radical Transparency discussion, Nick pays tribute to the legendary Montreal Forum in this episode’s opening sports dedication.
The Forum opened its doors 99 years ago this week, and “was constructed in 159 days, can you believe that,” says Nick. “It would take longer today to draft the permit request for such a venue, and the actual permit review and approval process might not take 159 days, but instead 159 months.” Nick reflects on the property...2023-11-2827 min
The Far MiddleThankfulAs family and friends gather to celebrate Thanksgiving, The Far Middle episode 131 examines the numerous reasons Americans have to be thankful.
Before delving into the episode’s connections, Nick offers a fitting sports dedication this Thanksgiving eve: the wild NFL game between the Dallas Cowboys and Miami Dolphins from Thanksgiving Day back in 1993.
This episode’s discussion follows a recent evening Nick spent in Philadelphia, assessing America’s opportunities and challenges with a group of businesspeople and thought leaders. Nick explains the opportunity stemmed from an invitation to discuss his advocacy efforts, including The Far Middle...2023-11-2228 min
The Far MiddleThe Real-World ScoreboardThe Far Middle episode 129 is dedicated to boxing great Billy Conn, better known as “The Pittsburgh Kid.” Nick delves into Conn's career that spanned the 1930s and 1940s—a time when boxing rivaled baseball as America’s most popular sport.
Nick highlights Billy Conn’s bouts and relationship with Joe Lewis, in particular their legendary match from June 18, 1941, when Conn attempted to become the first World Light Heavyweight Champion to win the World Heavyweight Championship. For more on Conn, Nick recommends the Sports Illustrated article, “The Boxer and the Blonde.”
The outcome of a boxing match is decided...2023-11-0829 min
The Far MiddleLecturing vs. Personal BehaviorThe Far Middle episode 127 is all about heading in the wrong direction. In this installment’s sports dedication, Nick connects the episode’s release date of October 25 to Jim Marshall of the Minnesota Viking’s infamous wrong-way score back on October 25, 1964. “The play epitomized life and the imperfections of human beings even more than it epitomized football in competitive sport,” says Nick.
While Marshall’s gaffe 59 years ago today is one of the NFL’s most famous screw-up plays, Nick argues Marshall’s body of football accomplishments most certainly earns him a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. In...2023-10-2527 min
The Far MiddleOverreachThe Far Middle episode 125 honors Baseball Hall of Famer and Reds legend, Joe Morgan. Nick calls Morgan the greatest second baseman to ever play the game and reflects on Morgan’s stellar career, both on the field and in the broadcast booth.
While recent Far Middle episodes have concentrated on singular topics (mentoring young adults, the wisdom of Václav Havel, effective leadership, and speculative natural gas research), this installment is a lighting round episode, catching up on several developments from the last few weeks.
Nick leads off the episode highlighting the work of John Ioannid...2023-10-1130 min
The Far MiddleStacking the DeckThe Far Middle episode 124 arrives as this year’s Major League Baseball playoffs get underway. Accordingly, Nick dedicates the episode to two recent baseball milestones that occurred on October 4, the episode’s first airing date.
On Oct. 4, 2021, Barry Bonds hit his 70th home run to tie Mark Maguire for the most home runs in a single season. And then a year ago today, Aaron Judge broke Roger Maris' American League single season home run record with his 62nd blast. While the achievements were notable, Nick sees them as a product of professional baseball’s evolution—"making what was once...2023-10-0431 min
The Far MiddleConfidence and ConvictionThe Far Middle episode 122 begins by rewinding the clock back to the summer of 1978 to celebrate Pete Rose’s magical 44-game hitting streak.
While now 45 years ago, Charlie Hustle’s consecutive game-hitting streak remains the closest to overtaking Joe DiMaggio’s 56-game record. Despite coming up short, Nick recalls the never-short-on-confidence Rose saying during his 1978 streak that he “might go on forever.” Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case, and DiMaggio’s 56-game hitting remains one of the unlikeliest MLB records that will ever be broken.
Shifting from baseball, Nick continues his recent theme of exploring one central an...2023-09-2032 min
The Far MiddleGreen InflationThe Far Middle episode 121 arrives as Labor Day, the unofficial end of summer, approaches. With fall on the horizon, Nick has basketball on his mind, which leads to a special dedication to basketball pioneer Arnold “Red” Auerbach. Nick calls Auerbach, “the most accomplished pro basketball coach and executive in the history of the game, both statistically as well as with respect to impact.”After reflecting on Red’s historic career, Nick pivots to red’s complementary color: green. Specifically, he delves into the concept of green inflation, which is the collective combination of green energy policies, mandates, and subsidies driving gene...2023-08-3128 min
The Far MiddleInside OutAs many head back to college this August, so too does the start of Far Middle episode 118 as Nick honors Ohio State Buckeye legend and two-time Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin for this Far Middle’s sports dedication.
Nick then moves from Ohio State to Stanford, noting Cardinal quarterback Jim Plunkett would earn Heisman honors a few years prior to Griffin’s back-to-back trophies. He then examines Stanford University President Marc Tessier-Lavigne’s forthcoming resignation following “serious flaws” found in his research.
“The controversy at Stanford highlights another connection we can jump to which interestingly still involve...2023-08-2329 min
The Far MiddleThe Inevitable CycleFar Middle episode 117, released on August 16, coincides with the anniversary of football icon Frank Gifford’s birthday. Nick reflects on Gifford’s legendary career on the field and in the Monday Night Football broadcast booth. In looking back at the eight-time Pro Bowler’s career, Nick also recounts meeting Hall of Fame linebacker Chuck Bednarik who delivered “The Hit” on Gifford in their November 1960 Giants/Eagles matchup.
“It seems as if every time we do a dedication on The Far Middle of an exceptional athlete, like a Frank Gifford, it brings to mind a few truths in life,” says N...2023-08-1631 min
The Far MiddleOff and RunningThe Far Middle episode 116 is dedicated to the great Jesse Owens. This episode’s August 9 release coincides with the 87th anniversary of Owens winning his fourth gold medal at the 1936 Summer Olympics. Nick reflects on Owens' historic Olympics performance, including the stark difference in the way Owens was treated in Europe compared to his arrival home.Following the “much-too-late dedication” to Owens, Nick examines a frequent Far Middle topic: the trouble facing many of America’s large cities. “The combination of the policies of the Left, being soft on crime, rampant and open drug use, remote work, broken public transit—tho...2023-08-0932 min
The Far MiddleFiery and FeistyThe Far Middle episode 115 arrives on August 2, 2023, which also marks the 50th anniversary of baseball Hall of Famer George Brett’s Major League debut. On August 2, 1973, Brett would bloop a broken-bat single in the top of the 4th to notch his first of more than 3,000 career hits spanning 20 years with the Kansas City Royals. In dedicating the episode to Brett, Nick looks back on Brett’s quest to hit .400 in the 1980 season, the infamous 1983 pine tar incident, and reminisces on Brett’s fiery and feisty personality.
From George Brett and his dominance of the left side of the Ka...2023-08-0230 min
The Far MiddleCrazyThe Far Middle episode 114, released on July 26, 2023, arrives the day before—in 1957—the incomparable Yogi Berra would start his streak of 148 games without an error.
The connection serves a fitting opportunity to dedicate this Far Middle installment to the legendary Lawrence Peter Berra, baseball’s “best all-around catcher.” Nick reflects on Berra’s baseball career, military service, his mentorship to young players, and more. All told it was a crazy, remarkable life—an “exemplar in absolute excellence.”
From Berra, Nick makes a unique connection, the likes of which you’ll only find on The Far Middle, discussing t...2023-07-2628 min
The Far MiddleUnbreakableThe Far Middle episode 113 is dedicated to legendary pitcher Cy Young who collected his 500th win on the episode’s July 19 release date back in 1910. Nick reflects on Cy Young’s stellar career and 511 wins, which Nick calls the most unbreakable record in all professional sports.
Nick describes Cy Young as the ultimate exemplar of pitching, and begins the episode’s connections, highlighting that California and Los Angeles, not long ago, were viewed by many as the exemplars of the American dream. Nick then proceeds to summarize his address last month to the Los Angeles County Lincoln Club –...2023-07-1930 min
The Far MiddleThe Great Reset ThreatThe Far Middle episode 112 celebrates the Tony Zale and Rocky Graziano boxing trilogy, which spanned a 21-month period between 1946 and 1948. The middleweights’ second match—Zale vs. Graziano II—occurred this week back in 1947.
After reflecting on the Zale-Graziano bouts, which exemplified boxing done right, Nick transitions to journalism done wrong. Nick walks through a recent morning news show’s “Protecting Our Planet” segment to illustrate how media sells a problem, its causes, and its cure. In this case, the problem of course was climate change. And the cure? More government.
Staying on the so-called climate crisis, Nick offers “a little bit of hi...2023-07-1229 min
The Far MiddleThat’s All RightThe Far Middle episode 111 begins with a dedication to the 2008 Wimbledon men’s final—a historic bout (far from just alright) between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. The nearly five-hour match marked the third year in a row Federer and Nadal met in the final at the All England Lawn Tennis Club, while Federer won in 2006 and 2007, Nadal would came out on top in 2008.
Nick next transitions to present day, moving eastward from England to discuss Russia and Ukraine, exploring the asymmetrical nature of the war that differs from other historical conflicts. The Russia/Ukraine war leads to th...2023-07-0528 min
The Far MiddleGiant StepsAs The Far Middle episode 110 takes the field on June 28th, Nick goes back to today in 1957 for this episode’s sports dedication. Nick recounts the giant steps the Cincinnati Reds’ fans took to secure eight players in the 1957 All-Star Game starting lineup, and Commissioner Ford Frick’s move to overrule the ballot process and insert Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, and Stan Musial into the National League’s starting nine.Nick moves from the diamond to journalism bias as the “Fauci Focus” Far Middle segment emerges for an encore performance. Nick comments on emails from the editor-in-chief of the journal “Science”...2023-06-2828 min
The Far MiddleUnder Continual AssaultThe Far Middle episode 109 follows Father’s Day and arrives with the tip-off of summer. Nick dedicates this installment to “Pistol” Pete Maravich, who was born the day after episode 109’s release (back in 1947), and who also had a special relationship with his father and coach, Press Maravich. Nick calls Pistol Pete “one of the brightest of shining lights to ever dribble a basketball.”After reflecting on Pistol Pete’s stellar collegiate career and Hall of Fame NBA career, Nick says you could apply the same nickname to the Chinese Communist Party and China itself as they, “have a geopolitical gun aimed...2023-06-2126 min
The Far MiddleA New ConstellationThe Far Middle episode 108’s release falls on Flag Day, a coincidence that won’t happen again until June 14, 2028—mark your calendars! Nick discusses the history of Flag Day, its unique Pennsylvania connection, and notes June 14th also marks the birthday of the United States Army.
“Flag Day is as American as it gets, and so is baseball,” says Nick, proceeding to present this episode’s unique sports dedication, which goes to a constellation of six baseball perennial all stars for their historic June 14th accomplishments; spanning Gehrig in 1933 to the “Wizard” in 1992.
Nick moves from great ball...2023-06-1428 min
The Far MiddleTurbulenceThe Far Middle episode 107 arrives two days following the birthday of the late NFL-great Art Donovan, this Far Middle’s featured dedication. Nick describes the Hall of Fame defensive lineman, aka “the Bulldog,” as an intimidator who played in an era when rough and tough was the official code of professional football. Donovan was part of the Baltimore Colts’ “Magnificent Seven,” who in addition to quarterback Johnny Unitas included Gino Marchetti—Far Middle episode 89’s sports dedication.
After reflecting on Donovan’s military service, football career, and larger-than-life personality, Nick offers yet another example of how climate change is no longer about science, and how i...2023-06-0728 min
The Far MiddleAlways SeekingThe Far Middle episode 106 release date of May 31 coincides with the anniversary of artist Louise Bourgeois’ 2010 passing, as well as the 80th birthday of football great and pop culture icon, Joe Namath. Nick looks back on Broadway Joe’s western Pennsylvania roots, college and pro football accomplishments, and post-football showbiz career as the Super Bowl III MVP is featured for this installment’s dedication.
As the episode’s connections begin, Nick explores a recent column on America’s minimum wage by Duke University Professor Michael Munger. Munger puts into surprising context the percentage of U.S. workers who earn t...2023-05-3129 min
The Far MiddleThe Free Exploring MindThe Far Middle episode 105 falls between Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day—presenting an opportunity to clarify the differences between these military observances, as well as Veteran’s Day.
Nick sets the stage by reminding listeners that The Far Middle embodies literary great John Steinbeck’s view that “the free, exploring mind of the individual human is the most valuable thing in the world.”
As Memorial Day nears and the start of summer, Nick links this episode’s sports dedication to the boys of summer and a great sports question: If you could attend one game from any sp...2023-05-2426 min
The Far MiddleBirds and Rabbit HolesThe Far Middle episode 104 is dedicated to former Major League Baseball pitcher Mark “The Bird” Fidrych who made his first Major League start this week back in 1976. Nick reflects on The Brid’s career, particularly his dominating 1976 all-star season, before drawing a Far Middle connection to the healthcare industry.Nick presents some “brutal math” demonstrating how the laziness in American healthcare efficacy is stacking up to a nearly infinite height of waste, cumulatively totaling trillions of dollars. “Who knows how many lives are negatively impacted by a healthcare system that is less efficient than it could or should be,” says Nick. He goes o...2023-05-1729 min
The Far MiddleOutsized ImpactsThe uniqueness of The Far Middle shines in episode 103. In under 30 minutes, Nick covers topics spanning World Donkey Day to sports and from World War II to artificial intelligence.
After kicking things off with a little “donkey talk,” Nick dedicates the episode to his Mount Rushmore of the most iconic sports photos, as well as offers a few honorable mentions. The superfecta of legendary pictures includes Ray Lussier’s photograph of Bobby Orr’s overtime goal in game four of the 1970 Stanley Cup finals, which took place 52 years ago today.
Next, Nick talks historical versus modern-day...2023-05-1028 min
The Far MiddleTrack RecordsAs The Far Middle episode 102 lands between National Teachers Day and National Nurses Day, Nick tips off the episode offering his appreciation to both professions before jumping into this week’s dedication: Boston Celtics all-time leading scorer, John Havlicek. Last week, April 25, marked the four-year anniversary of the icon’s passing. Nick celebrates “Hondo’s” career and how he revolutionized the pro game, epitomizing the sixth man.
After reviewing the track record of Havlicek, Nick proceeds to examine the track record of the Federal Reserve over the past 25 years and where it’s placed the American economy. “What's amazing...2023-05-0332 min
The Far MiddleOne-Hit WondersThe Far Middle episode 101 begins the next chapter in sports dedications as the series enters the triple digits. To mark episode 101’s April 26 release date, Nick dedicates the episode to those pitchers who’ve thrown one-hitters. He looks back on two notable one-hitters from today in 1980 by “Lefty” and in 1990 by “The Ryan Express.”
Nick underscores the importance of tracking data and statistics of baseball players as he then tosses a change up and moves into the efficacy—or lack thereof—of public education. Like ball players, he comments on the importance of tracking students; highlighting a recent Stanford...2023-04-2626 min
The Far MiddleKnockin’ Out 100The Far Middle has reached its 100th episode. A podcast that began as companion commentary paired with the release of Precipice—further exploring each chapter’s topics—has now spanned nearly two years.
In conjunction with the milestone episode’s late April release, Nick pays homage to legendary heavyweight boxer Rocky Marciano who retired from professional boxing on April 27, 1956. Marciano’s 49-0 record (43 of which were by knockout) easily puts “The Brockton Bomber’s” incredibly strong chin on Nick’s Mt. Rushmore of boxing.
Moving from the ring, episode 100 centers around the ever-expanding role of the administrative s...2023-04-2028 min
The Far MiddleBack in the Summer of ‘98The Far Middle episode 98 begins with a look back on the origin of April Fools' Day, which coincides with the sweet sound of “play ball!” and the start of Major League Baseball’s regular season. Baseball is the theme of this week’s dedication as Nick goes back 25 years to the summer of 1998 and the epic slugfest between Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire to break Roger Maris’ 61 home-run record set in 1961.
Following a look at the strange issues surrounding the long-ball record, Nick transitions to the legislative and political dynamics leading to the passage of the Civil Rights Act...2023-04-0526 min
The Far MiddleExecutive PowerThe Far Middle episode 97 is dedicated to the hockey force, Connor McDavid. While just eight years in the NHL, the Edmonton Oilers’ No. 97 has become the best player in the league today—challenging Nick’s settled view on the Mount Rushmore of hockey’s greatest players.
Nick moves from the hypothetical Mount Rushmore of hockey to the actual Mount Rushmore and two of its faces, former presidents Abraham Lincoln and Teddy Roosevelt. Nick proceeds to describe Lincoln and Roosevelt’s similar views on wider U.S. presidential power during times of crisis. “The view of wide presidential power is a v...2023-03-2927 min
The Far MiddleBreezin’ into SpringThe Far Middle episode 96 begins with birthday wishes to jazz guitarist Geroge Benson, and moves on to a timely dedication as Major League Baseball’s 2023 season gets underway in just eight days from this episode’s release.
Going back to 1996, for episode 96, when no baseball players were inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, Nick offers a thoughtful look on players that aren’t in Cooperstown, but who have the career accomplishments to warrant induction.
Nick then transitions from America’s pastime to the time of Teddy Roosevelt during his tenure at the Civil Service Commissi...2023-03-2228 min
The Far MiddleThe Externality RealityFar Middle episode 95 begins with Nick offering, “everything you wanted to know about daylight saving time but were afraid to ask.” And on the topic of time, Nick dedicates this episode to “The Iron Man,” Cal Riken Jr., who in 1995 broke Lou Gehrig’s consecutive games played streak by playing in his 2,131st straight game, a streak that spanned 17 years. In total, Ripken’s streak reached 2,632 games, “the equivalent of 16 seasons without missing a game.” Nick says you have time to sleep on this record as the soonest it could be broken by an active player would be in about a dozen ye...2023-03-1532 min
The Far MiddleA Serious Math ProblemFar Middle episode 94 begins with a remembrance of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. whose birthday is today, and the anniversary of his passing was also marked this week, 98 years ago this past Monday.
In a Far Middle first, Nick dedicates this episode to a day, specifically the memorable sports headlines from June 17, 1994, which included Arnold Palmer playing in his final round of a U.S. Open, Ken Griffey Jr. launched his 26th long ball of the season to tie Babe Ruth for the most home runs before June 30th, the World Cup got un...2023-03-0827 min
The Far MiddlePenguins and Polar BearsThe Far Middle episode 93’s release date, March 1, coincides with the birthday of the late actor, Robert Conrad. Nick says as a kid he was obsessed with Conrad’s television series The Wild Wild West, as well as Conrad’s series, Baa Baa Black Sheep.
Moving on to this episode’s dedication, Nick honors Mario Lemieux’s 1992-1993 season. It was a season by the Penguins’ Center that embodied athletic achievement, personal endurance, and one “you could make a movie about.” Lemieux’s perseverance that season is, “Motivation for all of us, as we continue to achieve in our endeavors, an...2023-03-0126 min
The Far MiddleTenacityThe Far Middle episode 92 features a unique dedication to a group of professional athletes who showcased a tenacity for greatness while on the gridiron, diamond, ice, and hardwood. These include two greats to wear the number 92 jersey: Reggie White, aka the “Minister of Defense,” and former Penguins winger and current Canucks coach, Rick Tocchet.
Nick shifts from the subject of tenacity for sports greatness to America’s tenacity for scientific greatness. On the surface, America’s scientific prowess looks better than ever, but unfortunately, the data reveals a different state of America’s scientific efficacy. Specifically, Nick looks at C...2023-02-2226 min
The Far MiddleGreatnessThe Far Middle episode 91 is dedicated to a triumvirate of sports greats—Mario Lemieux, Michael Jordan, and Nolan Ryan—and their 1991 achievements. These three individuals represented greatness, which is a recurring theme in episode 91, starting with human ingenuity and innovation.
Nick looks back to the start of the Industrial Revolution to present day, examining a range of metrics over that time period. These include life expectancy, infant mortality rates, income per capita, and global population. These indicators have all trended in a positive direction over the last ~200 years. While advancements in medicine and agriculture have contributed to soci...2023-02-1527 min
The Far MiddleRunnin’ and Disruptin’The Far Middle episode 90 is dedicated to the 1989-90 UNLV Runnin' Rebels basketball team and Coach Jerry Tarkanian, aka “Tark the Shark.” Nick describes the 1990 NCAA Tournament Champs as disruptive and innovative thanks to a combination of super-talented players, coaching, and buttressed by the Amoeba defense.
Nick continues the themes of disruption and innovation throughout episode 90, beginning with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s late 2022 comments on the Uyghur Policy Act. Nick says her speech was quite good, but her words don’t mesh with Congress’ energy and environmental policy actions over the past several years. Those actions ha...2023-02-0826 min
The Far MiddleThe Two-Party CartelThe Far Middle episode 89 is proudly dedicated to perhaps the greatest professional football player that most people never heard of: Gino Marchetti. A player for the ages, Nick looks back on Gino's great career that spanned fighting in the Battle of the Bulge, dominating the gridiron, and growing a restaurant chain to more than 300 locations.
Nick begins this episode’s connections by noting that individuals like Gino are rare today, much like the political moderate, whether that’s a moderate Republican or moderate Democrat. Nick proceeds to revisit his recent commentary, “America Needs a Third Party.” A third pa...2023-02-0125 min
The Far MiddleAn Eruption of Illogical MovesThe Far Middle episode 88 honors defensive great Alan Page, the anchor of the Minnesota Vikings’ famous “Purple People Eaters” defensive line. Nick reflects on Page’s unique life story, “a story that oozes excellence through every chapter.” For more on the Purple People Eaters, check out where the Vikings’ defense ranks on Nick’s list of “The Ten Greatest NFL Defenses in the Super Bowl Era.”Nick begins this episode’s connections by noting Page is a prominent catholic, and most prominent Catholics look to the Pope for guidance and leadership. Nick says unfortunately the Vatican is at it again with its calls to Cat...2023-01-2525 min
The Far MiddleAccumulation, Accountability, and AdvocacyThe Far Middle episode 87 is dedicated to Sidney Crosby, who “epitomizes greatness on the ice,” says Nick as he highlights the best all-around player the NHL has ever seen, as well as Crosby’s leadership and his winning record. While Crosby, alongside Alexander Ovechkin in Washington, continues to accumulate points, another accumulation is also happening in Washington, and that’s the country’s federal debt load.
There’s a crazy, scary trifecta facing our country’s fiscal health and government finances, explains Nick. That trifecta is a federal debt of $31 trillion and quickly growing, paired with continuous budget deficit...2023-01-1825 min
The Far MiddleHollow ProclamationsFar Middle episode 85 marks the series start to 2023. As The Far Middle enters its third calendar year, Nick once again connects issues spanning the past, present, and future.Dedicated to the iconic 1985 Chicago Bears, Nick looks back on the epic season of a team that was truly “must-see TV.” While not a dynasty, the Super Bowl XX champs had it all; boasting personalities like Jim McMahon and Walter Payton on offense, the "Monsters of the Midway" on defense, and Coaches Ditka and Ryan on the sideline.Nick moves from the “Windy City” to the hot air blowing from t...2023-01-0427 min
The Far MiddleAppalachia FirstAs 2023 nears, Nick goes back to 1984 for episode 84’s dedication—commemorating the seven-game NBA Finals series between the Boston Celtics and LA Lakers. The intense matchup marked the golden era of NBA basketball as the 1980s would feature classic rivalries, many of the sport’s greatest players, and iconic coaches.
Nick crosses over from the hard court to America’s military, stressing the importance of focusing on the best military equipment, contractors, and systems. He calls out a new rule proposed by the Department of Defense and NASA that aims to require defense contractors to disclose their CO2 foot...2022-12-2832 min
The Far MiddleLeading by InspiringThe Far Middle episode 83 takes off with a dedication to “the Mad Stork,” aka NFL Hall of Famer Ted Hendricks. A four-time Super Bowl champion, Hendricks is “one of the greatest personalities and linebackers in NFL history,” reflects Nick.
For those new to The Far Middle, Nick reminds listeners the podcast’s format is modeled after the TV series Connections. Hosted by science historian James Burke, “each episode of Connections would start with a modern innovation, and then jump back in time to show how one event linked to another, sequentially, connecting dots and making connections, hence the name of...2022-12-2125 min
The Far MiddleDecember CloudsIn Far Middle episode 82, Nick rewinds the clock 40 years to November of 1982—a golden year in the golden age of boxing—as he pays tribute to boxers Aaron “The Hawk” Pryor and Alexis “El Flaco Explosivo” Argüello. Reflecting on their November 12, 1982, “Battle of the Champions” match, Nick says, “If you want to see boxing the way it’s meant to be, give a watch to that 14-round epic 1982 bout.”
Shifting from rivals in the ring to geopolitical rivals, Nick highlights the historic agreement between Israel and Lebanon to develop natural gas in the Mediterranean Sea. Nick notes the irony of the...2022-12-1425 min
The Far MiddleWatching the River FlowThe Far Middle episode 81 arrives amidst the holiday season, with Hanukkah and Christmas just around the corner. Someone you wouldn’t want to see around the corner, if you were an NFL wideout in the 50s and 60s, is Hall of Fame cornerback Dick “Night Train” Lane—this Far Middle’s dedication.
Nick transitions from trains to rivers and lands at Marietta, Ohio.
Marietta, which sits at the confluence of the Muskingum and Ohio Rivers, is the setting of this week’s episode as Nick reviews three recent presentations he delivered last week while in southeastern...2022-12-0732 min
The Far MiddleWelcome to The No-Growth HotelThe Far Middle episode 80 features a co-dedication to both the 1980 U.S. Men's Ice Hockey Team, and to the incomparable and prolific Jerry Rice. Nick notes Rice’s collegiate career at Mississippi Valley State and the offensive innovation of Coach Archie Cooley. The topic of innovation sparks the start of this episode’s connections as Nick moves through a host of topics like Rice weaving through a secondary.
While innovation represents growth, Nick zeroes in on the elitist organization, The Club of Rome, and their best-selling environmental book, The Limits to Growth. Nick looks at how the Club...2022-11-3024 min
The Far MiddleUnrest in the ForestThe Far Middle episode 79 is a special Thanksgiving edition, dedicated to the 1979 Pittsburgh Pirates.
The 1970s Pirates were known as “The Lumber Company” due to the hurting they could do at the plate. Today, on the geopolitical stage, we see Putin trying to lay the lumber on Europe with his use of energy leverage. Nick discusses the new spin from the Left on Europe’s energy chaos, which is that Putin is helping jumpstart Europe’s energy transition. This view is simply a means to justify more climate policy mandates.Nick proceeds to dissect, with Bert Blyleven precision, t...2022-11-2324 min
The Far MiddleThe TrenchesThe Far Middle episode 78 is dedicated to the NFL’s unsung heroes of the trenches; including many legendary linemen who wore number 78, spanning Bobby Bell, Bruce Smith on defense, and Jackie Slater, Anthony Muñoz on offense, and many more.
Trenches, while not the most hygienic, have served as the method of choice for sewer systems across civilizations, and the modern toilet isn’t to be taken for granted. The discussion turns to San Francisco where the city recently announced one public toilet is going to cost $1.7 million with an estimated completion in 2025. Nick outlines the root cause...2022-11-1625 min
The Far MiddleInsult to InjuryAs The Far Middle reaches episode 75, the milestone installment is appropriately dedicated to the greatest Pittsburgh Steeler of all time, “Mean” Joe Greene. The four-time Super Bowl champ is one of the four faces on Nick’s Mount Rushmore of Pittsburgh sports Hall of Famers, which includes prior Far Middle dedications Mario Lemieux in episode 66 and Roberto Clemente in episode 21. Who’s the fourth face? That’s where things get interesting.
While no one would ever call Greene soft, the same can’t be said for today’s American work ethic, and the numbers don’t lie. Nick proceeds to discuss attitudes to work...2022-10-2625 min
The Far MiddleAlways Keep SwingingThe Far Middle episode 74 is dedicated to four notable events from the 1974 Major League Baseball season, specifically three great achievements and one infamous beer night in Cleveland.
While baseball celebrated many milestones in 1974, America at large was struggling with horrible inflation and energy crises, situations we’re seeing repeated today. While most Americans recognize what’s going on, our elected leaders unfortunately do not. After noting skyrocketing costs in the U.S., Nick says we should count our blessings we’re not facing the inflation and energy insecurity that Europe is. The state of energy instability and unreliability in...2022-10-1926 min
The Far MiddleCompromised Academia and Media StandardsThe Far Middle episode 70 is dedicated to a pair of NFL defensive greats: Hall of Famers Ernie Stautner and Sam Huff. Nick calls Stautner the best defensive lineman of his era and discusses his one-of-a-kind toughness. And Nick notes Sam Huff’s unique family lineage to Nick’s company history and points out a certain assistant coach who was key to convincing Huff to stay in the NFL during his rookie-year training camp.Stautner played most of his career for the Pittsburgh Steelers in Pennsylvania, and Huff was from West Virginia—states representing the heart of the Marcellus and Ut...2022-09-2124 min
The Far MiddleThe Inflation Equation and Twisted Economic LogicThe Far Middle episode 66 is dedicated to Pittsburgh Penguins’ icon Mario Lemieux, “one of easiest decisions in the history of The Far Middle,” says Nick.
After looking back on “Super Mario’s” astounding playing career, including overcoming cancer, his purchasing the Penguins, and community work through his foundation, Nick presents the four faces that would be carved on his Mount Rushmore of best-ever NHL players.
Nick steps off the hockey train to next discuss the reasons ridership is plummeting on most urban public transportation networks, which today are clearly broken business models. Nick says it’s time we stop...2022-08-2428 min
The Far MiddleMarkets and Competition WorkEpisode 59 of The Far Middle continues the streak of NFL linebacker dedications, with this installment commemorating one of the greatest outside linebackers to ever play—Jack Ham. After reflecting on the quick, very smart, and respected Hall of Fame linebacker’s career, Nick juxtaposes Ham’s competitive spirit to the diluted competition in America’s education system.
American schools are dropping proficiency exams, class rankings, the SATs, and erasing meritocracy—going the exact opposite of the Chinese educational system. The only winners in the watering down of America’s educational system are the academic complex’s bureaucrats and administra...2022-07-0625 min
The Far MiddleHypocrisy: Running Like the Bulls in PamplonaEpisode 58 of The Far Middle is dedicated to the “poster child of the middle linebacker,” four-time Super Bowl champ Jack Lambert. Nick reflects on the career, character, and imagery surrounding the Steeler great. In unique Far Middle fashion, Nick connects the optics and urban legend of Lambert to the urban legend we’ve been taught regarding the Treaty of Versailles. Nick discusses Ludwig von Mises’ book, “Omnipotent Government,” and he suggests the Treaty wasn’t the debacle that some historians have insisted it was. “Actually, the Treaty of Versailles could’ve worked, maybe it would’ve worked, if stuck to and the reparations did not ba...2022-06-2924 min
The Far MiddleStudies Show and Experts AgreeThe Far Middle episode 57 is dedicated to boxer, Carmen “The Upstate Onion Farmer” Basilio. “If you’re going to fight this guy in the ring, you better be ready for a war,” says Nick as he reflects on the fighter’s career; which featured a marquee win over middleweight champion Sugar Ray Robinson in 1957. Nick explains that Basilio lost a couple of crucial fights due to questionable split decisions, and whether or not organized crime was involved, the expert judges got it wrong at the worst time on the biggest stages.Nick connects the idea of expert judges getting it wron...2022-06-2229 min